Celebrating My 50th Birthday: Sisterly Journey to the Middle East, Free from Kids

Our childhood was marked by an adventurous father who believed travel was educational. By the time my sister and I graduated from college, we had explored much of the United States and had ventured beyond its borders.

For him, seeing the world was essential to learning. We delved into the history of the places we visited, penned reports about them, and explored countless museums from the heartlands to the overseas.

With no aunts, uncles, or cousins, it was just our little family—my sister, parents, and me. My mother wasn't always up for travel, so our explorations often excluded her.

After our parents passed away, I found myself juggling roles—married, mother to two, and working part-time.

Living apart from my sister was tough. She resided in California while I set roots in Connecticut, yet visited several times yearly. While my sister didn't have children, I had mine later in life.

In our younger days, we embarked on thrilling adventures—safaris in South Africa, parasailing in Florida, and bouncing at punk rock concerts in London.

As time passed, our gatherings shifted from sampling tapas in Spain to managing playground outings with my kids. Conversations were often disrupted by the demands of toddlers.

Embarking on a New Chapter

Turning 50 felt like the perfect excuse to reignite our spirit of exploration. I persuaded my then-husband to care for the children during their school break, assuring him the usual demands would be absent.

Finding a cost-effective journey to the Middle East, I eventually persuaded my sister to accompany me despite her initial hesitations about traveling there.

I plotted out a vibrant itinerary covering all seven UAE emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah—plus a worthwhile detour to Oman.

This comprehensive package, including airfare, a rental car, and accommodations, cost around $3,000.

Aspiring to Visit 100 Countries

After seeing all 50 US states by age 30, I set an ambitious new aim: visiting 100 nations. By following the Traveler's Century Club's expansive criteria, I planned our route strategically to inch closer to this goal.

Adding Oman to my travel map nudged me closer to being eligible for this exclusive club.

Experiencing Freedom and Delight

During this trip, two moments captured my heart as both a globetrotter and penguin aficionado: exploring the Burj Al Arab with its opulent interiors, and a playful penguin encounter at an indoor ski park in Dubai.

Notable experiences also included meandering through the Louvre Abu Dhabi, admiring the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's beauty, and sipping a cocktail atop the towering Burj Khalifa.

Traveling without kids also meant enjoying a spa day and strolling through historic districts without complaint or concern over bored little ones.

This trip allowed freedom from the usual family trip challenges, like whining about weather or meals. The independence was refreshing.

The Value of Time to Oneself

The familiar airline mantra about securing your own oxygen mask before assisting others resonates deeply. Women often give endlessly, making it vital to claim time to refresh and renew.

Now, having reached 57, I look forward to journeying further with my sister as my constant companion, eagerly anticipating many more shared adventures.

We've already discovered 72 countries together, and I'm thrilled about the day she'll join me for my 100th destination.